Tip for the company holiday party: No wings

I doubt many companies will be raising the bar on their holiday parties this year, given the slowing economy and widespread fears of declining earnings.

But if you are organizing a company party this year, attorneys and human resource experts almost universally advise two things: 1) Don’t let anyone get too drunk. 2) Don’t let anyone sexually harrass their co-workers.

Seems basic, but every year people send me this advise in a press release. This year, however, comes a new warning against chicken wings. Check out the pitch we received today pasted below.

As companies host holiday parties for employees this holiday season, leading attorneys are urging employers to carefully look at their policies to protect themselves from possible lawsuits.

“While such parties are time for celebrating, it is unfortunate that so many lawsuits stem from these situations,” said Zack Hummel, a partner in Bryan Cave LLP’s Labor Department. To help limit the potential for lawsuits, Hummel suggests the preventive measures should be taken, including:

· Do not serve salty foods such as chicken wings that encourage additional drinking

· Consider having spotters/monitors or adequate security

· Make employee attendance at such parties voluntary

· Set tone of moderation by sending memo reminding employees that party is a business-related function

Sexual harassment in the workplace was almost unheard of until the Judge Clarance Thomas Senate Confirmation hearings in the ’90s. Remember all of Anita Hill’s “allegations”?? Well, today she is a nobody, but back then, she was a tool for hostile senators who did not like Judge Thomas and did not want him on the Supreme court. Good thing he won.

Ever since then, sexual harassment has been a classic way for disgruntled workers to mine some gold from their employer or get even with someone. For example, Mr. John Myers, the ex- branch manager of BRINKS, Inc. office (armored car) in Portland, Oregon. In 2002 he attended a company Christmas party and soon thereafter, was removed. According to some drivers (guards) at Brinks I know, he was a little too friendly with some gal at the party.

Off-the-clock activities with co-workers are subject to the same conventions and restrictions as those conducted onsite during business hours. Once again, get your ya-ya’s away from your work mates.